As the weather warms up and the sun rays beam down, now is a good time for a reminder that regular sun protection is crucial for healthy skin all year round. The sun is the number one cause of aging within the skin, and, more importantly, dangerous UV rays can lead to skin cancers.
Here are three common misconceptions most people have about sunscreen:
“The higher the SPF rating, the better protection you get.”
This is a huge myth that, unfortunately, most people buy into. SPF (sun protection factor) is the ability of a product to block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are the rays responsible for sunburns. SPF 15 filters out roughly 92-93% of all incoming UVB rays, while an SPF 30 filters 96-97% and SPF 50 screens about 98%. There isn’t a product that blocks out 100% of the UVB rays regardless of the SPF rating.
You should always use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For all of your fun outdoor activities with prolonged sun exposure, use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
“As long as you apply sun protection once during the day you’re okay.”
First, good for you for applying sun protection daily—that’s a solid first step. But reapplying sunscreen is important. Indirect sun exposure, such as the moments walking to and from your car or while driving to work with the windows down, still means your skin is absorbing damaging UV rays. Find easy-to-use products that contain natural SPF and reapply throughout the day as needed. Mineral makeups with SPF 15+ and dust-on sun protectors are handy to keep with you in your purse, backpack or car and are a great way to reapply sun protection during the course of the day.
When spending time in direct sunlight, make sure you’re reapplying at least every two hours; but if you’re swimming or working up a sweat, reapply immediately post swim or workout. It’s better to be safe than sunburned and sorry.
“Natural sunscreens don’t work.”
This is so not true! Natural sunscreens are a wonderful way to provide your skin all of the protection it needs without any harsh, toxics ingredients like petroleum, silicon, parabens or ureas commonly found in mainstream sunblocks.
You want to look for products that contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are physical, mineral sun protectants that provide broad-spectrum defense. MyChelle offers an assortment of über-safe, natural protectants that will guard against both UVA and UVB rays. We formulate with titanium dioxide and clear zinc oxide to offer clean, broad-spectrum protection that helps prevent the signs of aging and keeps skin in tip-top shape. Our products take it one step further and are vegan friendly, environmentally reef safe and loaded with skin-benefitting nutrients that are suitable for all skin types.
Find the perfect MyChelle sun protection just for you:
A sensitive skin’s sun protection friend – Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented is a full-spectrum UVA/UVB sun defense that offers powerfully effective protection and is non-irritating.
Calling all coconut fans –The Sun Shield SPF 28 Coconut is also a full-spectrum UVA/UVB sun defense that offers powerfully effective protection with a delicious natural coconut scent that leaves you smelling amazing.
Hydrate and protect in one easy step – Use Daily Defense SPF 17 ,which hydrates the skin while providing full spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that’s derived from oceanic volcanic seaweed, protects collagen and provides intensive antioxidant actions.
Want a bit more from your SPF? Boost your benefits with the Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30, which will avert photo-damage, reduce the appearance of fine lines and maintain moisture levels. This high-level sun protection keeps your skin safe, healthy and looking great.